FLORHAM PARK — Training camp is about to get a whole lot more intense for the Jets this week as they gear up for their first preseason game.

The Falcons and Jets meet up Friday night for the preseason opener at MetLife Stadium (7:30 p.m.). And so practice this week should have an extra edge and intensity with meaningful playing time up for grabs.

Here are a few things to watch for as the Jets get ready for the Falcons.

Quarterback reps

Todd Bowles will probably tell us not to read too much the quarterback snap counts. But we will read into them, and probably get a pretty good idea of how he'll split the quarterback workload.

Our guess: It'll go a lot like last preseason. The Jets already know what they have in 39-year-old Josh McCown, so it's likely they'll give Darnold the most reps in practice and preseason games to prove himself, with Teddy Bridgewater getting plenty of reps, too.

A year ago, McCown got the first series of the first preseason game. He was followed immediately by Christian Hackenberg, who played until late in the third quarter when he was replaced by Bryce Petty. Expect something similar: McCown will likely play the first series, Darnold will likely play the majority of the game, but Bridgewater will get some good work in, too.

Who can handle the pressure?

The pressure is going to reach another level this week, with actual playing time on the line. And it's going to be interesting to see if the guys who have started off strong can validate their performance as the stakes rise.

Bowles said Saturday that he'll compile a list of deserving players and make sure they all get a shot in Friday's preseason opener. Practices are certainly part of evaluating a player, but Bowles has made it clear over the years that he takes more stock in preseason games where the pressure and intensity is much higher.

"When the lights come on next Friday night when we play our first preseason game those guys will get a real chance to play," Bowles said.

Non-QB battles

The quarterback competition is going to get all the attention. But there are several other compelling battles going on across the roster. Here are three to watch:

New York Jets' Nathan Shepherd, who was drafted in the third round of the 2018 draft, works out during NFL rookie camp, Saturday, May 5, 2018, in Florham Park, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)(Photo: The Associated Press)

Tight end is wide open, as rookie Chris Herndon and veterans Eric Tomlinson, Clive Walford and Neal Sterling have all had moments. Jordan Leggett, who missed the last two practices, must get back on the field quickly.

The top three cornerback spots are likely locked up, but Derrick Jones has made a strong early case for the No. 4 job. He'll battle with a slew of other guys in a crowded CB room, including Darryl Roberts, Juston Burris and Parry Nickerson.

It's going to be interesting to see who will emerge alongside Leonard Williams on the defensive line. Rookie DE Nathan Shepherd and veteran Xavier Cooper are both off to good starts.

Who gets back on the field?

A lot of players sat out Saturday's scrimmage, including several potential starters including S Marcus Maye (ankle), WR Terrelle Pryor (ankle), OT Kelvin Beachum (foot), DT Steve McLendon (rest) and WR Quincy. If they hope to play in this week's game, we'll probably have to see them on the practice field once or twice during the week.

Missing the first game of the preseason is not a big deal. But if these guys aren't back by the second or third game of the preseason, it could affect chemistry heading into the regular season.

What's next?

The Jets will practice on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in preparation for the Falcons. After Friday's game, they'll head down to Richmond for three joint practices with the Redskins starting Sunday (Aug. 12). The Jets play their second preseason game in Washington next Thursday (Aug. 16).